Pope Leo XIV to undergo lung surgery: What we know about his health and upcoming plans

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled for surgery to extract a lung nodule and is anticipated to recover within a week. Pope Leo XIV is preparing to undergo surgery to remove a localised nodule in his lung, which was detected at a very early stage. The procedure is the first reported medical event of his 17-month papacy.The 71-year-old pontiff is otherwise considered healthy and physically fit. Here is a look at what is known about the lung nodule, his planned treatment, the possible impact on his engagements and the question of papal authority during a medical emergency.What is a lung nodule? Can it be cancerous?A lung nodule is a small abnormal spot in the lung measuring less than 3 centimetres (approximately 1.2 inches) in diameter. According to the american cancer society, such nodules are sometimes discovered during CT scans carried out to investigate other conditions, including injuries or lung infections.Lung nodules may be benign or malignant, making timely medical assessment important to establish their nature.Dr Stephen Liu, a lung cancer specialist at Georgetown's Lombardi comprehensive cancer center, said the prognosis is “excellent” when a cancerous nodule is detected and removed ...